Roses!

I got to stop and enjoy them on my way home tonight. So wonderful!

(With key for size)

Xoxo

Great Bay Weekend

We had a relaxing weekend: laundry, good food, and time with friends. We were in Napa Saturday with Brit's brother and some friends and then walked the Golden Gate Bridge. 

Picnic at Cline Cellars

My bridge! Hard to believe that I decided over two years ago to stay in the Bay Area when I saw this bridge!

Xoxo

Home

This trip was spectacular, but I am happy to be home...

Xoxo

Early morning run

One of my favorite things to do in a new city is to go running early in the morning. I love to watch the city wake up and feel the true life of a place.

This is especially great in Florence!

Xoxo

Running on the Amalfi Coast

Is beautiful!!!

"Rent Crazy Boats"

This is someone's yard...gorgeous!

Xoxo

The Leaning Tower of Pisa

It truly does look as if it is falling over!

Admittedly, all of the buildings in the plaza are a little off kilter, but the tower is something to see!

We drove from Sorrento to Pisa today, checked into the hotel, and headed out for a delicious meal. On the way, Zach walked us by this gem:

Tomorrow we will go back when the plaza is open to hear the choir in the rotunda and try to climb the tower. So exciting! 

(Seriously, worst selfie-taker ever!)

After the Tower, Emmy, Zach, and Marrok will head to the airport while Brit and I bum around a bit longer. We will fly back to Istanbul and then on to San Francisco Sunday. It feels like a whirlwind, but what a wonderful time!

Xoxo

Botanical Gardens

Brit and I spent the few (sad) hours after Emmy, Zach, and Marrok left wandering the Botanical gardens and Pisa. Though it is early in the season, it was great to be among the green things!

Succulent glasshouse 

Look Mom, spider babies!

"Melissa"

If I ever have a yard again, I will plant myself a bamboo forest 

Xoxo

Pretty!

We passed so many beautiful little towns on our way to Sorrento. Unfortunately it was raining most of the time and so we didn't get out of the pirate ship, but I managed a few fly-by photos!

Xoxo

Italian Highway Pirates

Everyone on the pirate ship is sleeping!

Xoxo

Fancy!

Brit and I picked up the rental van (gigantic) and drove up to the Lamborghini museum today. Not totally my thing, but pretty interesting!

My two favorites: Classic and concept.

I'm terrible at selfies!

Xoxo

Good morning Florence!

Xoxo

Woah

Emmy did an incredible job finding this apartment! The view out of the bedroom window is, well...

Xoxo

From Istanbul to Florence via Pisa

We had a packed day today! Up early, we had breakfast at the hotel and headed out to see the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia. After that, we stumbled upon the Grand Bazaar! A quick lunch and we were off to the airport!

Entrance to the Blue Mosque

It was breathtaking!

The Mosque can hold 10,000 people!

The mosaics are beautiful

At the Hagia Sophia, we were able to examine mosaics beginning to be uncovered, which was interesting. 

Brit made a friend with one of the many famous public cats!

I didn't expect to do much in Italy today after a busy morning and a terrible plane ride, but Emmy, Zach, and Marrok got us going to have dinner and walk around. I couldn't believe that The Duomo is right around the corner!

Now I'm dozing off listening to E & Z reading to Marrok, so good night!

Xoxo

Italy!!

I can't believe our trip to Italy is finally here! I am trying not to get too excited, because I know it can be annoying! But really, I can't wait to see Amanda and CK, Marrok, Zach, and Emmy!

Brit and I will be staying in Istanbul for our 22 hour layover on the way to Italy and 15 hours on the way back. Long layovers, but what a great place to have them!

Xoxo 

Ooh!

Pootz has been checking out his new corner...

Xoxo

Happiness is

Getting to see my clients every day!

This lady is one of my favorites 

Xoxo